Labels, their production process and their uses

ABSTRACT

Labels are disclosed capable of forming a covalent or non-covalent bond with a target molecule, particularly a biological molecule. The structure of these labels may consist of a dye covalently bound by one or more carbons on its chemical structure to one or more [FUNC] group(s), and optionally one or more [SOL] group(s). The structure of these labels allow selection of dyes from a wide variety of different excitation and emission wavelengths and allow easy functionalization of the dye without appreciably altering its spectral characteristics or its solubility characteristics.

A subject of the present invention is novel labels which can be used forlabelling target molecules. The invention also relates to a process forobtaining these labels. Finally, it relates to the use of these novellabels for the detection and/or quantification of target molecules.

The labelling of a target molecule and in particular of biologicalmolecules by labels is of great interest in the field of cell andmolecular biology, in particular in cytology/histology, flow cytometry,for the sequencing of nucleic acids. In the field of medical imaging,_(t)he use of fluorescent labels makes it possible inter alia to locatelesions or tumours.

Fluorescent labels are widely used in biology, biophysics, or physiologynot only in order to study the biological processes at cell andmolecular level or to quantify the physiological substances to beanalyzed but also in medicine in non-invasive imaging techniques forsurveillance or diagnosis.

A few specific examples of the use of fluorescent labels in biology are:

-   -   identification and separation of sub-populations of cells in        mixtures of cells by flow cytometry or microscopy techniques,    -   determination of the concentration of a substance which binds to        a second species such as an antibody to an antigen in        immunological test techniques, sequencing of the nucleic acids,        the demonstration of the pairing of nucleotide sequences,    -   location of substances such as DNA and proteins in        electrophoresis gels or other insoluble supports by fluorescent        staining techniques.

In numerous techniques, including fluorescence optical microscopy, it ispossible to simultaneously use several fluorescent labels capable ofemitting at different wavelengths. This “multi-labelling” is carried outwithout any confusion arising between the signals during detection.

The multi-labelling principle is also used in the particular techniqueof FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) which exploits thetransfer of energy from the excited state of a donor fluorescent labeltowards a second acceptor fluorescent label, this transfer of energybeing possible only when the two labels are in proximity. This techniquemakes it possible to measure the interactions (association ordissociation) between two proteins, one of which is coupled to a donorfluorescent label and the other to an acceptor fluorescent label.

However, during these multi-labellings, account must be taken of theproblems of any partial overlaps of the emission spectra of the labelsused which falsify the reading of the results. Consequently, duringmulti-labelling, it is of primary importance to limit the spectracovering phenomenon, which makes it necessary to have access to a largerange of labels the spectral characteristics of which are completelycontrolled.

The first subject of the present invention is novel labels composed of“functionalized dyes” the resonance system of which is not affected bythe functionalization.

By “dye” is meant any coloured substance, natural, artificial orsynthetic, absorbing light in the ultra-violet, visible and/or infraredrange. Within the framework of the invention, the dyes can befluorescent. By “fluorescent dyes” is meant dyes having the ability tobe excited in a transient manner by absorption of a luminous radiationthen to return to their initial state by emitting radiation thewavelength of which is higher than that of the excitation radiation.

By “functionalized dyes”, is meant dyes having at least one reactivechemical function allowing their coupling to target molecules andoptionally at least one function allowing them to be soluble underconditions of use.

The labels of the prior art can be classified in three categoriesaccording to the way in which their reactive chemical function is linkedto the ring structure of the dye.

The labels of the first category are defined by the fact that theirreactive chemical function is linked directly to a carbon atom of a ringof the dye's hydrocarbon skeleton. They have been described inparticular in U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,027, US2002/077487, FR2764605,US4,614,723, JP03133629, JP03133628, JP63277680, Masiero, S. et al.“G-quartets as a self-assembled scaffold or circular porphyrin arrays”Chemical communications, vol. 15, 2003 pages 1995-1996, Yu, Junhua etal. “Porphyrin capped TiO₂ nanoclusters, tyrosine methyl ester enhancedelectron transfer”, FR2 748 027.

However, the major drawback of such labels comes from the fact that thereactive chemical function is found in immediate proximity to a ring ofthe molecule of the dye. This proximity leads to a significant sterichindrance which strongly hinders coupling to target molecules. On theother hand this proximity affects the dye's absorption and fluorescencespectra. The choice of a dye for the synthesis of a label is dictated byits spectral properties. Consequently, obtaining a label the couplingability of which is hindered by a steric hindrance and the spectralproperties of which are different from those of the chosen dye is notparticularly useful.

In order to remedy the drawbacks mentioned previously, a second categoryof labels has been developed. The labels of this second category aredefined by the fact that their reactive chemical function is linkedindirectly by means of an alkyl chain to an atom which belongs to themolecule of the initial dye, this atom not being a carbon atom. It isfrequently a nitrogen atom which, most often, belongs to the ringstructure of this dye.

The production of these second category labels is limited to the use ofdyes most often constituted by one or more nitrogenous heterocycles.Each nitrogen atom of the initial dye carries a chain which stronglyinfluences the solubility of the dye: these are often sulphoalkyl chainsif the dye must be solubilized in an aqueous medium or alkyl chains ifthe dye must be solubilized in a hydrophobic medium. The technique forproducing labels of this second category involves replacing one or moreof these alkyl or sulphoalkyl chains with a hydrocarbon chain carryingthe reactive chemical function. Nevertheless, this technique has theconsequence of reducing in particular the solubility of the label inrelative to the initial characteristics of the dye. Moreover, theproduction of labels of this second category only gives access to a verylimited number of entities as it is applicable only to a restrictednumber of dyes which comprise one or more heteroatoms.

For example, the patents WO2005/058370, WO2003/082988, EP1209205 U.S.Pat. No. 6,027,709 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,644 disclose labels of thissecond category.

The patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,709 describes carbocyanine-type dyes inwhich a sulphoalkyl chain has been replaced by an alkyl chain carrying acarboxylic acid function (reactive chemical function with anelectrophilic character).

The patent U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,644 also describes carbocyanines modifiedin a similar way and intended to be used as labels of biologicalmolecules. However, these labels differ from those of the patent U.S.Pat. No. 6,027,709 in that the reactive chemical function is notelectrophilic but nucleophilic (hydroxyl, amine and thiol function).

This category of labels is therefore of limited usefulness as it appliesonly to a few carbocyanine-type dyes with a reduction in solubility ofthe label relative to that of the initial dye while it would have beendesirable to increase this solubility in order to facilitate couplingwith a large number of target molecules. In the case where thehydrosolubility of the label is desired, the direct addition of groupssuch as NO₂ and SO₃ ⁻ to the aromatic rings remedies this problem butaffects the absorption and fluorescence spectra of the initial dye.

A third category of labels, as described in EP 1 209 205, WO02/32466,WO94/08631 and Lobnik, A. et al. “pH optical sensors based on sol-gels.Chemical doping versus covalent immobilization” Analytica Chimica Acta,vol. 367, no. 1-3, 1998, pages 159-165, is defined by the fact thattheir reactive chemical function is linked indirectly by means of analkyl or amidoalkyl chain to a carbon atom, and not a nitrogen atom, ofthe ring structure of the dye, which avoids the suppression of one ofthe sulphoalkyl or alkyl chains which conditions the solubility of thelabel.

Nevertheless, the production of labels of this third category givesaccess to a number of entities even more limited than those of thesecond category as they have the major drawback of being difficult tosynthesize. In fact, the synthesis precursors of such labels are notcommonly commercially available and their synthesis requires theimplementation of numerous stages with low final yields.

At present, the synthesis of functionalized dyes serving as labels fordetecting and/or quantifying target molecules is known. However, thelabels of the prior art have at least one of the following threefundamental drawbacks which considerably limit their use:

-   -   the reactive chemical function of these labels is in immediate        proximity to a ring of the dye, which results in a steric        hindrance and strongly hinders coupling to target molecules,        thus making them of little use. Moreover, their spectral        properties are different from those of the dyes from which they        are obtained, due to the electronic effects which are produced        between the reactive chemical function and the aromatic rings of        the dye.    -   These labels are difficult to solubilize in the coupling medium        the nature of which is dictated by the identity of the target        molecule.    -   These labels cannot be synthesized from reagents which are        easily commercially accessible and according to simple and rapid        synthesis processes; the available number of these labels is        therefore limited.

The present invention for its part proposes to prepare according to aparticular process, labels of a fourth category having none of thedrawbacks of the labels of the prior art.

Moreover, to the applicant's knowledge, there has never been described,in the prior art, a process making it possible to easily functionalize avery broad panel of dyes. In fact, the processes of the prior art areapplicable only to a restricted number of dyes since a large number ofdyes exists having specific spectral characteristics useful forlabelling target molecules.

Moreover, during multi-labelling processes, it is essential to take intoaccount any problems of partial overlaps of the emission spectra of thelabels used which falsify the reading of the results. Within theframework of the present invention, this problem of covering isminimized to the extent that the user has a large panel of labels,optionally fluorescent having different spectral properties, i.e.different excitation and emission wavelengths covering a wide region ofthe detection spectrum.

The benefit of the process of the invention is that it allows theselection of a dye as a function of its particular spectralcharacteristics and being able to easily functionalize it withoutappreciably altering its spectral characteristics or its solubilitycharacteristics.

In light of the prior art, it is apparent that a need exists for a widevariety of labels which are easy to synthesize from dyes the choice ofwhich is mainly dictated by their absorption and emission properties,said labels not only having substantially the same spectral propertiesas the dyes from which they are obtained but also a solubility in thecoupling medium which is equivalent or even improved relative to theinitial dye.

The inventors, at the end of in-depth research, have found that it ispossible to obtain a large panel of novel labels combining all thesought functional and spectral characteristics from a large panel ofdyes or intermediates commonly commercially available.

The first subject of the present invention relates to novel labelscapable of forming a covalent or non-covalent bond with a targetmolecule, consisting of a dye to which there is bonded in covalentmanner by one or more carbons of its chemical structure:

-   one or more [FUNC] group(s), and-   optionally one or more [SOL] group(s),-   said label having the general formula:

-   [DYE] representing a molecule chosen from the group comprising the    phthaleins, carbocyanines, merocyanines, porphyrins,    phthalocyanines;-   [FUNC] each representing independently an —X-A-Z group, in which:    -   X is chosen from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a        sulphur atom, an NR₁R₂ group, R₁ and R₂ each being independently        of each other a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C₁-C₃₀,        preferably C₁-C₁₈ and more preferentially C₁-C₅ alkyl group;        -   A is chosen from the group consisting of an alkylene group            or an alkylene-arylene group;    -   Z is a reactive chemical function;    -   [SOL] each representing independently a    -   X′-A′-Z′ group, in which:    -   X′ is chosen from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a        sulphur atom, an NR₁R₂ group, R₁ and R₂ each being independently        of each other a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C₁-C₃₀,        preferably C₁-C₁₈ and more preferentially C₁-C₅ alkyl group;        -   A′ is chosen from the group consisting of an alkylene group,            or an alkylene-arylene group;    -   Z′ is a polar or apolar group.

In the present invention, by “phthaleins” is meant dyes having thefollowing structure (1):

by “carbocyanines” is meant dyes having the following structure (2):

by “merocyanines” is meant dyes having the following structure (3):

by “porphyrins” is meant dyes having the following structure (4):

by “phthalocyanines” is meant dyes having the following structure (5):

in which:

-   -   M₁ to M₄, M₉ to M₁₂, Q₁ to Q₁₂, D₁ to D₁₆, which are identical        to or different from each other, are chosen from the group        comprising the following radicals or groups: hydrogen, hydroxyl,        halogen, acetyl, amine, substituted amine, quaternary ammonium,        phosphate, nitro, carboxylic acid and its salts, sulphonic acid        and its salts, alkylcarboxy with 2 to 30 carbon atoms, linear or        branched alkyl, having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl having 3        to 14 carbon atoms, alkyloxy having 1 to 30 carbon atoms,        halogenoalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl having 1        to 30 carbon atoms, alkylester having 2 to 40 carbon atoms,        nitroalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, carboxyalkyl having 2 to        30 carbon atoms, aminoalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms,        sulphoalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, aryl, aryloxy,        arylalkyl, halogenoaryl, arylester,        -   Q₃, Q₆, Q₉ and Q₁₂ not being able to represent aryl or            aryloxy,        -   providing that at least one of Q₁ to Q₁₂ represents H or an            aromatic ring,        -   providing that at least one of D₁ to D₁₆ represents H;    -   Z₁ and Z₂ each represent independently of each other the atoms        necessary to complete an indole, benzindole or naphthindole        nucleus;    -   Z₃ represents O or S;    -   V and W are each independently of each other chosen from CR₇R₈,        O, S, Se and NR₉, where R₇, R₈ and R₉ are each independently of        each other chosen from hydrogen and a (CH₂)_(m)R₁₀ group, or m        is an integer from 1 to 18 and R₁₀ is selected from hydrogen,        amine, substituted amine, quaternary ammonium, aldehyde,        halogen, cyano, aryl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, amide, sulphonic        acid and its salts, carboxylic acid and its salts;    -   n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably 1 to 7 and more        preferentially 1 to 3;    -   i is an integer from 1 to n;    -   R₃ to R₆ each represent independently of each other a hydrogen        atom, a linear or branched C₁-C₃₀, preferably C₁-C₁₈, more        preferentially C₁-C₅ alkyl group, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy,        nitroalkyl, alkylamine, substituted alkylamine, quaternary        alkylammonium, alkylphosphate, alkylsulphonic acid and its        salts;    -   T₁ to T₈, each represent independently of each other a hydrogen        atom, a halogen atom, a linear or branched C₁-C₃₀, preferably        C₁-C₁₈, more preferentially C₁-C₅ alkyl group, sulphoalkyl,        cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, nitro, amine, substituted amine,        quaternary ammonium, phosphate, sulphonic acid and its salts,        OR₁₁ with R₁₁ chosen from hydrogen and a C₁-C₃₀, preferably        C₁-C₁₈, more preferentially C₁-C₅ alkyl group, COOR₁₁ or CONHR₁₁        with R₁₁ as defined previously;    -   G₁₁, G₂₁ and G₃ and M₅ to M₈ each represent independently of        each other a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched C₁-C₃₀,        preferably C₁-C₁₈, more preferentially C₁-C₅, cycloalkyl alkyl        group, aryl;    -   B₁₁, B₂₁, B₃ each represent independently of each other a        methine (═CH—) group, mono- or di-unsaturated cycloalkyl with 4        to 8 carbon atoms, mono- or di-unsaturated aryl-cycloalkyl with        4 to 8 carbon atoms, or one of the following groups:

-   -   -   each of these groups being either unsubstituted, or            substituted by one or more of the following groups: linear            or branched C₁-C₁₈, preferably C₁-C₅ alkyl, halogen,            sulphonate, sulphoalkyl, aryl, sulphoaryl, aryloxy, hydroxy,            hydroxylate, ketone, nitro, amine, substituted amine,            quaternary ammonium;

    -   Y represents a counter-ion chosen from the following ions:        halide, p-toluenesulphonate, methanesulphonate,        trifluoromethane-sulphonate, perchlorate, acetate, sodium,        potassium, calcium, magnesium, lithium, ammonium and        trialkylammonium; ‘p is an integer from 0 to 8 necessary to the        neutrality of the molecule.

By the expression “reactive chemical function”, is meant any functionalgroup capable of binding by a covalent or non-covalent bond(electrostatic, hydrogen, coordinative, ionic or complex) directly orafter activation, to at least one of the functions naturally present orartificially introduced onto a target molecule. By way of non-limitativeexamples of reactive chemical functions appropriate to the purposes ofthe invention, there can be mentioned in particular the functionscarboxylic acid and its salts, sulphonic acid and its salts, acidanhydride, acid chloride, ester (alkyl ester, p-nitrophenyl ester,succinimidyl ester, sulphosuccinimidyl ester, etc.), azido (acyl azide,azidonitrophenyl, etc.), hydrazide, 3-acyl-1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione,amine, substituted amine, quaternary ammonium, isocyanate,isothiocyanate, hydrazine, phthalimido, maleimide, haloacetamide,monochlorotriazine, dichlorotriazine, mono- or dihalogenated pyridine,mono- or dihalogenated diazine, aziridine, thiol, sulphonyl chloride,vinylsulphone, disulphide, methanethiosulphonate, hydroxyl,phosphoramidite, epoxy, aldehyde, carbonate, glyoxal, imidazolyl.

By the expression “polar or apolar group”, is meant any functional groupcapable of facilitating the solubilization of a chemical compound inpolar or apolar solvents. By way of non-limitative examples of polargroups appropriate to the purposes of the invention, there can bementioned in particular the groups carboxylic acid and its salts,sulphonic acid and its salts, amine, substituted amine, quaternaryammonium, carbohydrate, glycol, hydroxyl, nitro, phosphate. By way ofnon-limitative examples of apolar groups there can be mentioned inparticular the linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 30 carbonatoms, aryl, cycloalkyl having 3 to 14 carbon atoms, alkyloxy having 1to 30 carbon atoms, halogenoalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms,hydroxyalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, alkylester having 2 to 40carbon atoms, aryloxy, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, halogenoaryl.

By “alkylene”, is meant a cyclic, linear or branched hydrocarbon chain,having two free bonds, containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to18 carbon atoms and still more preferentially 1 to 5 carbon atoms andbeing able to be in particular a methylene, ethylene, propylene,2-methylpropylene, n-butylene, i-pentylene, n-pentylene, hexylene,heptylene, octylene, nonylene chain, or a cyclopentadiene group.

By “arylene”, is meant an aromatic group, having two free bonds,containing one or more optionally substituted aromatic rings, includingin particular one phenylene which can be substituted or unsubstituted.

By “alkyl”, and “C₁-C₃₀ alkyl” is meant a cyclic, linear or branchedhydrocarbon chain, having a free bond, containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms,preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms and still more preferentially 1 to 5carbon atoms and being able to be in particular a methyl, ethyl,n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, dry-butyl, tert-butyl,n-pentyl, 1-methylbutyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2-methylpentyl,2,2-dimethylpropyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, 2-pentyl, hexyl, 2-hexyl,3-hexyl, 3-methylpentyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl or dodecyl chain.

By “target molecule”, is meant a biological or non-biological moleculeintended to be coupled to a label. This expression includes but is notlimited to organic molecules, polymers, natural or synthetic silicatematerials, lipid vesicles, amino acids, nucleic acids, nucleotides,oligonucleotides, peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, oligosaccharides,polysaccharides, antibodies, antigens, cell receptors, haptenes,pectines, cytokines, hormones, toxins, bacteria, viruses, eukaryoticcells.

The label according to the invention is characterized by the fact thateach of the [FUNC] groups or [SOL] groups is attached to a carbon of thechemical structure of the dye using its respective X or X′ group asdefined previously. Therefore, the hydrophilic or hydrophobic groupsinitially present on the dye and which can be carried by the nitrogenatoms or by any other atom of the structure, are not modified.

Particular but non-limitative examples of [FUNC] groups are givenhereafter (Su represents the succinimidyl group):

-   —X—(CH₂)_(r)—COOSu, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—COOSuSO₃Na, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—COOH,    —X—(CH₂)_(r)—SO₃H, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—SO₃Na, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—COO—C₆H₄—NO₂,    —X—(C₆-C₄)—(CH₂)_(r)—COOSu, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—NHCOCH₂I, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—NCS,    —X—(CH₂)_(r)—C₆H₄CH (CH₃)—COOSu, —N(CH₃)₂—(CH₂)_(r)—SO₃H,    —X—(CH₂)_(r)—OP[N(iPr)₂][CH₂CH₂CN], X is as defined previously, r is    an integer from 1 to 18, preferably 2 to 10, and more preferentially    3 to 5.

Generally, the conditions for a coupling reaction between a label and atarget molecule are dictated by the nature of the target molecule. Inthe case of the labelling of certain fragile biological molecules, inparticular proteins, it is preferable for the coupling reaction to takeplace in aqueous solution in order to avoid the denaturation of thelatter. To this end, it is useful that the label is provided with one ormore Z′ groups conferring upon it a water-soluble character in thecoupling medium which is non-denaturing for the protein. On the otherhand, for other target molecules hydrophobic or non-polar groups arepreferable. In this case, the label must preferentially have at leastone Z′ group conferring upon it a hydrophobic or non-polar character.

These hydrophilic or lipophilic (Z′) groups can optionally be introducedin the same way as the reactive chemical function Z. Particular butnon-limitative examples of a [SOL] group comprising a hydrophilic orlipophilic Z′ group, illustrating this structural analogy are givenhereafter:

-   —X—(CH₂)_(r)—SO₃Na, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—SO₂H, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—C₆H₃(NO₂)₂,    —X—(CH₂)_(r)—CH₃, X is as defined previously, r is an integer from 1    to 18, preferably 2 to 10, and more preferentially 3 to 5.

The labels of the invention can be fluorescent, when they are made fromfluorescent dyes, and have fluorescent spectral characteristics whichcan range from the ultraviolet to the infrared.

Thus, the invention relates to labels derived from dyes chosen from thegroup comprising the following dyes: the phthaleins, carbocyanines,merocyanines, porphyrins and phthalocyanines, said dyes being as definedpreviously.

The label according to the invention obtained from a phthalein, is acompound having the structure (6),

in which:

-   each of M₅ to M_(g) is as defined previously;-   each of M′₁ to M′₄ and M′₉ to M′₁₂, independently of each other, can    have the definition given previously for M₁ to M₄ and M₉ to M₁₂, or    can represent [SOL] or [FUNC], [SOL] and [FUNC] being as defined    previously, and providing that at least one of M′₁ to M′₄ and M′₉ to    M′₁₂ represents [FUNC].

According to a particular embodiment of the label of structure (6), atleast one of M′₁, M′₂, M′₃ or M′₄ represents [FUNC], and/or at least oneof M′₉, M′₁₀, M′₁₁ or M′₁₂ represents [FUNC].

The carbocyanine-type label according to the invention is a compoundhaving the following structure (7)

in which

-   -   Z₁, Z₂, R₃, R₄, B₁₁, B₂₁, B₃, G₁₁, G₂₁, G₃, V, W, Y, i, n, and p        are as defined previously,

-   each of T′₁ to T′₈, independently of each other, can have the    definition given previously for T₁ to T₈, or can represent [SOL] or    [FUNC], [SOL] and [FUNC] being as defined previously, and providing    that at least one of T′₁ to T′₈ represents [FUNC].

According to a particular embodiment of the label of structure (7), atleast one of T′₁ to T′₄ and/or at least one of T′₅ to T′₈ represents[FUNC].

The merocyanine-type label according to the invention is a compoundhaving the following structure (8):

in which

-   -   Z₁, Z₃, R₃, R₅, R₆, G₁₁, G₂₁ and G₃, B₁₁, B₂₁, B₃, V, Y, i, n        and p p are as defined previously,

-   each of T′₁ to T′₄, independently of each other, can have the    definition given previously for T₁ to T₄, or can represent [SOL] or    [FUNC], [SOL] and [FUNC] being as defined previously, and providing    that at least one of T′₁ to T′₄, represents [FUNC].

The porphyrin-type label according to the invention is a compound havingthe following structure (9):

in which

-   Q₃, Q₆, Q₉ and Q₁₂ are as defined previously, each of Q′₁, Q′₂, Q′₄,    Q′₅, Q′₇, Q′₈, Q′₁₀ and Q′₁₁ independently of each other can have    the definition given previously for Q₁, Q₂, Q₄, Q₅, Q₇, Q₈, Q10 and    Q₁₁ or can represent [SOL] or [FUNC], [SOL] and [FUNC] being as    defined previously, and providing that at least one of Q′₁, Q′₂,    Q′₄, Q′₅, Q′₇, Q′₈, Q′₁₀ and Q′ ₁₁ represents [FUNC].

The phthalocyanine-type label according to the invention is a compoundhaving the following structure (10):

in which

-   each of D₁′ to D₁₆′, independently of each other, can have the    definition given previously for D₁ to D₁₆, or can represent [FUNC]    or [SOL], [FUNC] and [SOL] being as defined previously, and    providing that at least one of D′₁ to D′₁₆ represents [FUNC].

According to an embodiment of the invention, the label is water-soluble,preferably at a concentration greater than 0.5% (m/v), morepreferentially at a concentration greater than or equal to 2% (m/v), andalso still more preferentially greater than 10% (m/v).

According to another embodiment of the invention, the label isliposoluble, preferably at a concentration greater than 0.5% (m/v), morepreferentially at a concentration greater than or equal to 2% (m/v), andstill more preferentially greater than 10% (m/v).

Specific examples of labels according to the invention are the followingcompounds:

-   -   in which each of y, z, identical or different, is an integer        equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, Z represents —COOH or

-   -   Y represents SO₃ ⁻ or SO₃Na

-   -   in which each of y, z and n, identical or different, is an        integer equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, Z represents —COOH or

-   -   Y represents SO₃ ⁻ or SO₃Na        in particular

-   -   in which each of y, z and n, identical or different, is an        integer equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8    -   Z reoresents —COOH or

-   -   Y represents SO₃ ⁻ or SO₃Na        in particular

-   -   in which each of y, z and n, identical or different, is an        integer equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 Z represents —COOH or

-   -   Y represents SO₃ ⁻ or SO₃Na        in particular

-   -   in which each of y, z and n, identical or different, is an        integer equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 Z represents —COOH or

-   -   Y represents SO₃ or SO₃Na        in particular

in which each of y and z, identical or different, is an integer equal to1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8

-   -   Z represents —COOH or

-   -   Y represents SO₃ ⁻ or SO₃Na        in particular

-   -   in which each of y and z, identical or different, is an integer        equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 Z represents —COOH or

-   -   Y represents SO₃ or SO₃Na        in particular

The process for the preparation of the labels of the invention asdescribed previously, and in particular the introduction onto a carbonatom of the dye structure, of at least one [FUNC] group, making itpossible to conjugate said labels to a target molecule in a givencoupling medium, and optionally the introduction of at least one [SOL]group, constitutes the second subject of the invention.

The process according to the invention by means of which it has beenpossible to synthesize labels according to the invention, ischaracterized by the fact that it comprises a nucleophilic substitutionreaction between: either:

Z-A-L and [DYE′]-Nu

or:

[DYE″]-L and Z-A-Nu

-   -   Z and A being as defined previously;    -   L representing a leaving group;    -   Nu representing a nucleophilic group chosen from the group        comprising —OH, —SH or —NR₁R₂, R₁ and R₂ each being        independently of each other a hydrogen atom or a linear or        branched C₁-C₃₀, preferably C₁-C₁₈, more preferentially C₁-C₅        alkyl group;    -   [DYE'] and [DYE″] representing [DYE] or a precursor or synthesis        intermediate of [DYE], [DYE] being as defined previously.

By “leaving group”, is meant a group which can be replaced by anothergroup during a substitution reaction.

Said leaving group can be in particular a halogen or amethanesulphonate, para-toluenesulphonate group or a diazonium group.This list is not limitative. The leaving group therefore allows thebinding of the chain carrying either the reactive chemical function orthe polar or apolar function, to a carbon atom of the dye's ringstructure or of its synthesis intermediate.

According to a particular embodiment, the nucleophilic substitutionreaction can be carried out by opening of a cyclic molecule of formula:

According to a particular embodiment, the nucleophilic substitutionreaction can be a Williamson-type reaction, carried out between themolecule [DYE′]-Nu and the molecule Z-A-L, in the presence of a base.

Said base can be in particular sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate,potassium t-butylate, sodium hydride, sodium amide. This list is notlimitative.

The invention also relates to the processes for the preparation of[DYE′]-Nu and [DYE″]-L.

-   [DYE′]-Nu is obtained by the following successive reactions:    -   1. nitration of [DYE′];    -   2. reduction of the product obtained in stage 1;    -   3. optionally: either alkylation of the product obtained in        stage 2, or diazotization of the product obtained in stage 2 in        order to obtain a diazonium salt then nucleophilic substitution        on this diazonium function.        For its part [DYE″]-L is obtained by the following successive        reactions:-   1′. nitration of [DYE″];-   2′. reduction of the product obtained in stage 1′;-   3′. diazotization of the product obtained in stage 2′ in order to    obtain a diazonium salt;-   4′. optionally: nucleophilic substitution on the diazonium function    of the product obtained in stage 3′.

According to a particular embodiment, [DYE′]-Nu and [DYE″]-L representsthe dye itself, i.e. [DYE].

The nitration can be carried out for example by the action of nitricacid, nitronium tetrafluoroborate, sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite inacid medium. The reduction of the nitrated derivative to amine can becarried out by catalytic hydrogenation, by transfer of hydrogen in thepresence of a catalyst or by the action of stannous chloride in acidmedium for example. This amine function can itself be used as anucleophilic group or can be converted to another nucleophilic group. Tothe extent that it is preferable to obtain another nucleophilic group,the latter can easily be obtained by substitution of the correspondingdiazonium salt. In this case, the preceding amine function is convertedto a diazonium salt by the action of sodium nitrite in acid medium. Inorder to obtain a hydroxy function, the diazonium salt is hydrolyzed indiluted sulphuric medium for example. In order to obtain a thiolfunction, the diazonium salt is reacted with a sulphur-containingcompound, for example a xanthate, then cleaved.

The moment in the synthesis when the introduction of the nucleophilicgroup Nu (or of the leaving group L) then the substitution reaction withthe molecule Z-A-L (or Z-A-Nu) are carried out, i.e. the choice of theprecursor [DYE'] (or [DYE″]), of course depends on the nature of the dyeused. A person skilled in the art will be able of course to choose thismoment in order to limit the operations of protection and deprotectionof sensitive functional groups.

In the case where the synthesis of the functionalized dye must startwith one of its synthesis intermediates carrying the nucleophilic groupNu, it is recommended to protect this group beforehand in order to avoidundesired secondary reactions.

Said nucleophilic group can be protected by a protective group, forexample in the form of an ether (methoxy . . . ) for a hydroxy group, athioether (benzylthio . . . ) for a thiol group, an amide or aurethane-type group for example a t-butyloxycarbonyl group or abenzyloxycarbonyl group for an amine.

After obtaining the dye or one of its synthesis intermediates, when thelast stages of synthesis are no longer likely to interfere with thereactive chemical function, the nucleophilic group is deprotected underthe action of an acid, a base or by reduction or oxidation and is thenreacted with the molecule Z-A-L in order to introduce the reactivechemical function Z.

According to a particular embodiment, the process of the presentinvention can comprise the binding of one or more [SOL] groups using oneor more of the stages of previously defined chemical reactions for thebinding of the [FUNC] group. In this case, the nucleophilic substitutionreaction is carried out using a molecule Z′-A′-L (or Z′-A′-Nu) in which:Z′, A′, Nu and L are as defined previously. Thus, the process cancomprise a nucleophilic substitution reaction between: either:

Z′-A′-L and [DYE′]-Nu

or:

[DYE″]-L and Z′-A′-Nu

-   -   Z′ and A′, L, Nu, [DYE′] and [DYE″] being as defined previously;    -   [DYE']-Nu and [DYE″]-L being prepared according to the process        described previously.

The process of the invention therefore makes it possible to obtain, fromeasily accessible dyes, new functionalized derivatives the spectralcharacteristics and the solubility characteristics of which areparticularly useful for labelling target molecules.

Examples of reaction diagrams of the preparation of labels fromcarbocyanines (Diagrams Ia and Ib), phthaleins (Diagram II) andporphyrins (Diagram III) are given hereafter in a non-limitative manner.

In these reaction diagrams, NHS represents N-hydroxysuccinimide and DCCdicyclohexylcarbodiimide.

The use of the labels of the invention, as described previously, for thedetection and/or quantification of target molecules constitutes thethird subject of the invention.

As indicated previously, the labels of the invention are suitable asagents for labelling target molecules, the labelling being carried outby coupling of said label by a covalent or non-covalent bond with thetarget molecule to be assayed or detected. This coupling can be carriedout according to standard coupling processes used in this field.

According to a particular embodiment, the target molecule is reactedwith 1 to 200 equivalents, more preferentially 3 to 20 equivalents ofthe label. When the target molecule is water-soluble, the reaction takesplace in an aqueous buffer solution, preferably based on phosphate,carbonate or borate, the pH of which is comprised between 7.0 and 11.0.When the target molecule is liposoluble, the reaction takes place in anorganic solvent.

The coupling reaction can also be carried out in the presence of apeptide coupling agent, for example carbodiimide-type reagents such asDCC (dicyclohexylcarbodiimide), carbonyldiimidazole, IDDQ(1-isobutyloxycarbonyl-2-isobutyloxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline),phosphonium-type reagents such as BOP(benzotriazol-1-yloxytris-(dimethylamino)phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate), uronium-type reagents such as HBTu(o-benzotriazolyl-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate) and TBTu(o-benzotriazolyltetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate), Woodwardreagents such as N-ethyl-5-phenylisoxazolium-3′-sulphonate, Curtiusreagents (hydrazine and nitrite).

The coupling reaction is carried out if necessary in the presence of anorganic base and dimethylsulphoxide, or preferably dimethylformamide.

The labelled target molecule is isolated from the reaction medium andpurified by separation on silica gel, by gel permeation and/or byultrafiltration.

The invention also relates to a method for detecting a biological ornon-biological molecule comprising the coupling of a label according tothe invention with said molecule, and the actual detection of saidmolecule coupled with the label by absorption spectrometry, fluorescencespectrometry, infrared spectrometry, electrophoresis, infra-red or nearinfra-red medical imaging (NIRS, Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy). This listis not limitative.

The invention also relates to synthesis precursors of the labels of theinvention, which are novel products consisting of molecules of generalformula:

in which

-   Z₁, V, p, Y are as defined previously,-   R′₃ represents an electronic doublet or represents R₃ as defined    previously;-   μ is an integer equal to 0 or 1;-   R₁₂ represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated    C₁-C₃₀, preferably C₁-C₁₈, more preferentially C₁-C₅ alkyl group,    sulphoalkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aryloxy, preferably a methyl group,    each of T′₁ to T′₄, independently of each other, can have the    definition given previously for T₁ to T₄ or can represent [SOL] or    [FUNC], [SOL] and [FUNC] being as defined previously, and providing    that at least one of T′₁ to T′₄ represents [FUNC].

Non-limitative examples of precursors are given hereafter:

The invention will be described in more detail by means of the followingexamples which are not limitative but relate to advantageousembodiments.

EXAMPLES Example 1

5-nitro-2,3,3-trimethyl-(3H)-indole (product A)

A solution of 3.4 g of sodium nitrate in 100 ml of sulphuric acid isadded to a mixture of 6.4 g of 2,3,3-trimethyl-(3H)-indole and 50 ml ofsulphuric acid cooled down to 0-5° C., without exceeding 5° C. Afterstirring for one hour at 0-5° C., the reaction medium is diluted in 600ml of water and neutralized by the addition of solid sodium hydroxide.The precipitate formed is filtered and solubilized in 200 ml of ethylacetate. After washing with water, drying over magnesium sulphate andevaporation, 8 g of product A is obtained (Yield: 97.9%).

Example 2

5-amino-2,3,3-trimethyl-(3H)-indole (product B)

A mixture of 6.6 g of product A, 43.7 g of stannous chloride dihydrateand 215 ml of hydrochloric acid is taken to reflux for two hours. Aftercooling down to ambient temperature and filtration, the solid collectedis solubilized in 130 ml of water. This solution is neutralized by theaddition of 20% soda. The precipitate formed is filtered then washedwith water and dried under vacuum in the presence of phosphoricanhydride. 5.4 g of product B is obtained (Yield: 96%).

Example 3

5-hydroxy-2,3,3-trimethyl-(3H)-indole (product C)

A mixture of 3.5 g of product B, 5 ml of sulphuric acid and 25 ml ofwater is cooled down to 0° C. A solution cooled down to 0-5° C. of 1.6 gof sodium nitrite in 4 ml of water is added without exceeding 5° C.After stirring at 0-5° C. for 10 minutes, the reaction medium is addedslowly to a mixture of 15 ml of sulphuric acid and 20 ml of water takento 90° C. After stirring at this temperature for one hour then coolingdown to ambient temperature, the reaction medium is neutralized by theaddition of 20% soda. The precipitate formed is filtered then washedwith water and dried under vacuum in the presence of phosphoricanhydride. 2.6 g of product C is obtained (Yield: 74.3%).

Example 4

5-methoxy-2,3,3-trimethyl-benz(e)indole (product D)

A mixture of 35.4 g of 7-methoxy-2-naphthylhydrazine and 65 g of sodiumbisulphate monohydrate in 180 ml of water is heated at 90° C. for 15minutes then 23 g of 3-methyl-2-butanone is added. The reaction mediumis maintained at 90° C. for 7 hours, cooled down to ambient temperaturethen extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase is washed withwater then evaporated under vacuum. The residue is purified by silicagel chromatography (dichloromethane/methanol:10/0.2). 28.9 g of productD is obtained (Yield: 64.2%).

Example 5

5-hydroxy-2,3,3-trimethyl-benz(e)indole (product E)

8.2 g of product D are introduced into a three-necked 250-ml flask. 82ml of HBr (33% in acetic acid) is added.

The mixture is maintained at 70° C. for 7 hours then cooled down toambient temperature. 2.5 litres of water then 120 ml of 5M soda areadded to the reaction medium. The precipitate formed is filtered thenwashed with water and dried under vacuum in the presence of P₂O₅. 6.8 gof product E is obtained (Yield: 88.7%).

Example 6

5-[(5-carbethoxypentyl)oxy]-2,3,3-trimethyl-benz(e)indole (product F)

A mixture of 20 g of product E, 21.7 g of ethyl 6-bromohexanoate and13.5 g of potassium carbonate in 120 ml of acetone is taken to refluxfor 8 hours then cooled down to ambient temperature. The reaction mediumis filtered then evaporated under vacuum. The residue is dissolved in400 ml of ethyl ether and washed three times with water. Afterevaporation and elimination of the excess ethyl 6-bromohexanoate bydistillation under vacuum, 32.5 g of product F is obtained (Yield: 100%)in the form of a brown oil.

Example 7

5-[(5-carbethoxypentyl)oxy]-2,3,3-trimethyl-(3H)-indole (product G)

A mixture of 23.1 g of product C, 32.4 g of ethyl 6-bromohexanoate and20.1 g of potassium carbonate in 180 ml of acetone is taken to refluxfor 8 hours then cooled down to ambient temperature. The reaction mediumis filtered then evaporated under vacuum. The residue is dissolved in600 ml of ethyl ether and washed three times with water. Afterevaporation and elimination of the excess ethyl 6-bromohexanoate bydistillation under vacuum, 41.8 g of product G is obtained (Yield: 100%)in the form of a brown oil.

Example 8

5-[(5-carboxypentyl)oxy]-2,3,3-trimethyl-benz(e)indole (product H)

11.6 g of product F in 100 ml of 1M KOH are heated at 80° C. for 30minutes. After cooling down to ambient temperature, the reaction mediumis neutralized by the addition of 1M hydrochloric acid. The precipitateformed is filtered then washed with water and dried under vacuum in thepresence of P₂O₅. 9 g of product H is obtained (Yield: 84.2%).

Example 9

5-[(5-carboxypentyl)oxy]-2,3,3-trimethyl-(3H)-indole (product I)

4.2 g of product G in 45 ml of 1M KOH are heated at 80° C. for 30minutes. After cooling down to ambient temperature, the reaction mediumis neutralized by the addition of 1M hydrochloric acid. The precipitateformed is filtered then washed with water and dried under vacuum in thepresence of P₂O₅. 2.5 g of product I is obtained (Yield: 66.5%).

Example 10

5-[(4-sulphobutyl)oxy]-2,3,3-trimethyl-benz(e)indole, sodium salt(product J)

A mixture of 1.3 g of product E, 0.9 g of 1,4-butane sultone and 0.3 gof sodium hydroxide in 10 ml of ethanol is taken to reflux for twohours. After cooling down to ambient temperature, the reaction medium isadded to 100 ml of acetone under stirring. The precipitate formed isfiltered then washed with acetone and dried under vacuum. 1.8 g of veryhygroscopic product J is obtained (Yield: 81.2%).

Example 11

2-[7-[8-(5-carboxypentyloxy)-1,3-dihydro-1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-sulphobutyl)-benz(e)indol-2-ylidene]-1,3,5-heptatrienyl]-1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-sulphobutyl)-1H-benz(e)indolium,internal salt, sodium salt (product K)

A mixture of 10.2 g of product H and 32.7 g of 1,4-butane sultone isheated at 115° C. for 16 hours then cooled down to ambient temperature.120 ml of toluene is added, then the medium is filtered in order torecover the insoluble fraction. The precipitate is rinsed with acetoneand dried under vacuum. 13.3 g of this solid is reacted with 15.2 g of2-(6-acetanilido-1,3,5-hexatrienyl)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulphobutyl)-benz(e)indolium,internal salt, in 90 ml of ethanol. 2.9 g of triethylamine is addedprogressively and the mixture is taken to reflux for 5 minutes thencooled down to ambient temperature. 3.8 g of sodium acetate trihydrateis added and the mixture is stirred for 10 minutes. The precipitateformed is filtered then washed with acetone and dried under vacuum. 18.5g of product K is obtained (Yield: 72.8%).

Example 12

2-[5-[8-(5-carboxypentyloxy)-1,3-dihydro-1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-sulphobutyl)-benz(e)indol-2-ylidene]-1,3-pentadienyl]-1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-sulphobutyl)-1H-benz(e)indoliuminternal salt, sodium salt (product L)

A mixture of 8.1 g of product H and 26.2 g of 1,4-butane sultone isheated at 120° C. for 12 hours then cooled down to ambient temperature.80 ml of toluene is added, then the medium is filtered in order torecover the insoluble fraction. The precipitate is rinsed with acetoneand dried under vacuum. 10.6 g of this solid is reacted with 11.5 g of2-(4-acetanilido-1,3-butadienyl)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulphobutyl)-benz(e)indolium,internal salt, in 75 ml of ethanol. 2.2 g of triethylamine is addedprogressively and the mixture is taken to reflux for 5 minutes thencooled down to ambient temperature. 3 g of sodium acetate trihydrate isadded and the mixture is stirred for 10 minutes. The precipitate formedis filtered then washed with acetone and dried under vacuum. 15.2 g ofproduct L is obtained (Yield: 75.2%).

Example 13

2-[5-[6-(5-carboxypentyloxy)-1,3-dihydro-1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-sulphobutyl)-indol-2-ylidene]-1,3-pentadienyl]-1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-sulphobutyl)-1H-benz(e)indolium,internal salt, sodium salt (product M)

A mixture of 10.8 g of product I and 40.8 g of 1,4-butane sultone isheated at 130° C. for 8 hours then cooled down to ambient temperature.80 ml of toluene is added, then the medium is filtered in order torecover the insoluble fraction. The precipitate is rinsed with acetoneand dried under vacuum. 13.4 g of this solid is reacted with 16.3 g ofthe internal salt of2-(4-acetanilido-1,3-butadienyl)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulphobutyl)-benz(e)indoliumin 175 ml of ethanol. 3.2 g of triethylamine is added progressively andthe mixture is taken to reflux for 5 minutes then cooled down to ambienttemperature. 4.3 g of sodium acetate trihydrate is added and the mixtureis stirred for 10 minutes. The precipitate formed is filtered thenwashed with acetone and dried under vacuum. 18.2 g of product M isobtained (Yield: 69.6%).

Example 14

2-[7-[8-(5-carboxypentyloxy)-1,3-dihydro-1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-sulphobutyl)-benz(e)indol-2-ylidene]-1,3,5-heptatrienyl]-1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-sulphobutyl)-8-(4-sulphobutyloxy)-1H-benz(e)indolium,internal salt, sodium salt (product N)

A mixture of 0.6 g of product J and 1.7 g of 1,4-butane sultone isheated at 120° C. for 16 hours then cooled down to ambient temperature.5 ml of toluene is added, then the medium is filtered in order torecover the insoluble fraction. The precipitate is rinsed with acetoneand dried under vacuum. 0.7 g of this solid is reacted with 0.9 g of2-(6-acetanilido-1,3,5-hexatrienyl)-5-(5-carboxypentyloxy)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulphobutyl)-benz(e)indolium,internal salt, (obtained from the internal salt of5-(5-carboxypentyloxy)-1-(4-sulphobutyl)-2,3,3-trimethyl-benz(e)indolium,the preparation of which is described in Examples 11 and 12, andglutaconic aldehyde dianilide hydrochloride) in 10 ml of ethanol. 0.14 gof triethylamine is added progressively and the mixture is taken toreflux for 5 minutes then cooled down to ambient temperature. 0.18 g ofsodium acetate trihydrate is added and the mixture is stirred for 10minutes. The precipitate formed is filtered then washed with acetone anddried under vacuum. 1.1 g of product N is obtained (Yield: 75.5%).

Example 15

2-[7-[8-(4-sulphobutyloxy)-1,3-dihydro-1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-sulphobutyl)-benz(e)indol-2-ylidene]-1,3,5-heptatrienyl]-1,1-dimethyl-3-(4-sulphobutyl)-8-(4-sulphobutyloxy)-1H-benz(e)indolium,internal salt, trisodium salt (product O)

A mixture of 0.6 g of product J and 1.7 g of 1,4-butane sultone isheated at 120° C. for 16 hours then cooled down to ambient temperature.5 ml of toluene is added, then the medium is filtered in order torecover the insoluble fraction. The precipitate is rinsed with acetoneand dried under vacuum. 0.7 g of this solid is reacted with 0.97 g of2-(6-acetanilido-1,3,5-hexatrienyl)-3,3-dimethyl-1-(4-sulphobutyl)-5-(4-sulphobutyloxy)-benz(e)indolium,internal salt, sodium salt, (obtained from1-(4-sulphobutyl)-5-(4-sulphobutyloxy)-2,3,3-trimethyl-benz(e)indolium,internal salt, sodium salt, the preparation of which is describedpreviously, and glutaconic aldehyde dianilide hydrochloride) in 10 ml ofethanol. 0.14 g of triethylamine is added progressively and the mixtureis taken to reflux for 5 minutes then cooled down to ambienttemperature. 0.18 g of sodium acetate trihydrate is added and themixture is stirred for 10 minutes. The precipitate formed is filteredthen washed with acetone and dried under vacuum. 1.2 g of product O isobtained (Yield: 79.1%).

Example 16

Sulphosuccinimidyl Ester of Product K (Product P)

0.09 g of product K is solubilized in 5 ml of DMF. 0.11 g of sodium1-hydroxy-3-succinimide-sulphonate and 25 mg of DiCyclohexylCarbodiimideare added. The reaction medium is maintained under stirring at ambienttemperature for 24 hours then filtered. 100 ml of ethyl ether is addedto the filtrate. The precipitate formed is filtered and dried undervacuum. 105 mg of product P is obtained (Yield: 95.4%).

Example 17

Succinimidyl Ester of Product K (Product Q)

1.08 g of product K is solubilized in 50 ml of DMF. 0.69 g ofN-hydroxysuccinimide and 0.31 g of DiCyclohexylCarbodiimide are added.The reaction medium is maintained under stirring at ambient temperaturefor 24 hours then filtered. 250 ml of ethyl ether is added to thefiltrate. The precipitate formed is filtered and dried under vacuum. 1.1g of product Q is obtained (Yield: 91.7%).

Example 18

p-nitrophenyl Ester of Product K (Product R)

90 mg of product K and 17 mg of p-nitrophenol are solubilized in 2 ml ofDMF. 25 mg of DiCyclohexylCarbodiimide is added. The reaction medium ismaintained under stirring at ambient temperature for 24 hours thenfiltered. 100 ml of ethyl ether is added to the filtrate. Afterfiltration and drying under vacuum 101 mg of product R is obtained(Yield: 98%).

Example 19

Succinimidyl Ester of Product L (Product S)

0.24 g of product L and 0.12 g of TSTU(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-O-(N-succinimidyl)uronium tetrafluoroborate) aresolubilized in 5 ml of DMF. After stirring for 10 minutes, 64 mg ofdiisopropylethylamine is added. After stirring for 2 hours, 100 ml ofethyl ether is added. The precipitate formed is filtered, washed withethyl ether and dried under vacuum. 0.25 g of product S is obtained(Yield: 92.6%).

Example 20

Succinimidyl Ester of Product M (Product T)

83 mg of product M and 40 mg of TSTU are solubilized in 5 ml of DMF.After stirring for 10 minutes, 25 mg of diisopropylethylamine is added.After stirring for 2 hours, 100 ml of ethyl ether is added. Theprecipitate formed is filtered, washed with ethyl ether and dried undervacuum. 90 mg of product T is obtained (Yield: 96.8%).

Example 21

Succinimidyl Ester of Product N (Product U)

1.08 g of product N is solubilized in 50 ml of DMF. 0.57 g ofN-hydroxysuccinimide and 0.26 g of DiCyclohexylCarbodiimide are added.The reaction medium is maintained under stirring at ambient temperaturefor 24 hours then filtered. 250 ml of ethyl ether is added to thefiltrate. The precipitate formed is filtered and dried under vacuum.0.99 g of product U is obtained (Yield: 84.2%).

Example 22

Phenethyl Amide of Product L (Product V)

93 mg of product S and 39 mg of phenethylamine are solubilized in 5 mlof DMF. After stirring for 45 minutes, 60 ml of ethyl ether is added.The precipitate formed is filtered, washed with ethyl ether and driedunder vacuum. 57 mg of product V is obtained (Yield: 61.3%).

Example 23 Labelling of Proteins with Product S

1 ml of sodium carbonate-sodium bicarbonate buffer (0.1 M, pH 9.3)containing 10% dimethylformamide is added to a solution of 1 mg ofprotein (molecular weight 150 kDa) in 0.5 ml of phosphate buffersolution (0.1 M), then 25 μl of a solution of 9.1 mg of product S in 2ml of dimethylformamide is added dropwise. The mixture is stirred for 30minutes at ambient temperature. 200 μl of this mixture is eluted infractions of 0.5 ml with phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH 7.4, 10% ofdimethylformamide) on a Sephadex G25/PD-10 column (Amersham Biosciences)previously equilibrated with 25 ml of the same buffer. The dye coupledwith the protein is separated from the uncoupled dye by gel permeation:the first coloured band (fractions 7 to 9) corresponds to the coupleddye and the second coloured band (fractions 14 to 17) corresponds to thefree dye. Reading the optical densities at 685 nm indicates an averagesubstitution level of 4.7 molecules of dye per molecule of antibody. Theconjugate is stored at 4° C. away from the light.

1.-23. (canceled)
 24. A label consisting of a dye comprising, a carboncovalently bonded to: one or more [FUNC] group(s), and optionally one ormore [SOL] group(s), said label having the following formulae (9) or(10):

each of Q′₁, Q′₂, Q′₄, Q′₅, Q′₇, Q′₈, Q′₁₀ and Q′₁₁ each independentlyfrom each other represents hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, acetyl, amine,substituted amine, quaternary ammonium, phosphate, nitro, carboxylicacid and its salts, sulphonic acid and its salts, alkylcarboxy with 2 to30 carbon atoms, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms,cycloalkyl having 3 to 14 carbon atoms, alkyloxy having 1 to 30 carbonatoms, halogenoalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl having 1to 30 carbon atoms, alkylester having 2 to 40 carbon atoms, nitroalkylhaving 1 to 30 carbon atoms, carboxyalkyl having 2 to 30 carbon atoms,aminoalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, sulphoalkyl having 1 to 30carbon atoms, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, halogenoaryl, arylester, [SOL]or [FUNC], Q′₃, Q′₆, Q′₉ and Q′₁₂ not being able to represent aryl oraryloxy, providing that at least one of Q′₁ to Q′₁₂ represents H or anaromatic ring, and providing that at least one of Q′₁, Q′₂, Q′₄, Q′₅,Q′₇, Q′₈, Q′₁₀ and Q′₁₁ represents [FUNC];

in which each of D′₁ to D′₁₆, each independently from each otherrepresents hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, acetyl, amine, substitutedamine, quaternary ammonium, phosphate, nitro, carboxylic acid and itssalts, sulphonic acid and its salts, alkylcarboxy with 2 to 30 carbonatoms, linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, cycloalkylhaving 3 to 14 carbon atoms, alkyloxy having 1 to 30 carbon atoms,halogenoalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl having 1 to 30carbon atoms, alkylester having 2 to 40 carbon atoms, nitroalkyl having1 to 30 carbon atoms, carboxyalkyl having 2 to 30 carbon atoms,aminoalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, sulphoalkyl having 1 to 30carbon atoms, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, halogenoaryl, arylester, [SOL]or [FUNC], providing that at least one of D′₁ to D′₁₆ represents H, andproviding that at least one of D′₁ to D′₁₆ represents [FUNC]; [FUNC]each representing independently an —X-A-Z group, in which: X is chosenfrom the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom, anNR₁R₂group, R₁ and R₂ each being independently of each other a hydrogenatom or a linear or branched C₁-C₃₀, preferably C₁-C₁₈ and morepreferentially C₁-C₅ alkyl group; A is an alkylene group, or analkylene-arylene group; Z is a reactive chemical function chosen fromthe group comprising the functions carboxylic acid and its salts,sulfonic acid and its salts, acid anhydride, acid chloride, esters suchas alkyl ester, p-nitrophenyl ester, succinimidyl ester,sulphosuccinimidyl ester, azido such as acyl azide, azidonitrophenyl,hydrazide, 3-acyl-1,3-thiazolidine-2-thione, amine, substituted amine,quaternary ammonium, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, hydrazine, phthalimido,maleimide, haloacetamide, monochlorotriazine, dichlorotriazine, mono- ordihalogenated pyridine, mono- or dihalogenated diazine, aziridine,thiol, sulphonyl chloride, vinylsulphone, disulphide,methanethiosulphonate, hydroxyle, phosphoramidite, epoxy, aldehyde,carbonate, glyoxal, imidazolyl; [SOL] each representing independently an—X′-A′-Z′ group, in which: X′ is chosen from the group consisting of anoxygen atom, a sulphur atom, an NR₁R₂ group, R₁ and R₂ each beingindependently of each other a hydrogen atom or a linear or branchedC₁-C₃₀, preferably C₁-C₁₈ and more preferentially C₁-C₅ alkyl group; A′is an alkylene group or alkylene-arylene group; Z′ is either a polargroup chosen from the group comprising the groups carboxylic acid andits salts, sulphonic acid and its salts, substituted amine, quaternaryammonium, carbohydrate, glycol, hydroxyl, nitro, phosphate, or an apolargroup chosen from the group comprising the linear or branched alkylgroups having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl having 3 to 14 carbonatoms, alkyloxy having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, halogenoalkyl having 1 to30 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, alkylesterhaving 2 to 40 carbon atoms, aryl, aryloxy, substituted arylalkyl,arylalkyl, halogenoaryl.
 25. The label according to claim 24, whereinthe alkylene group is a cyclic, linear or branched hydrocarbon chainhaving two free bonds, comprising 1 to 30 carbon atoms and the arylenegroup is an aromatic group, having two free bonds, comprising one ormore aromatic rings, optionally substituted.
 26. The label according toclaim 24, wherein [FUNC] is chosen from —X—(CH₂)_(r)—COOSu,—X—(CH₂)_(r)—COOSuSO₃Na, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—COOH, —X—(CH₂)_(r)SO₃H,—X—(CH₂)_(r)—SO₃Na, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—COO—C₆H₄—NO₂,—X—(C₆H₄)—(CH₂)_(r)—COOSu, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—NHCOCH₂I, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—NCS,—X—(CH₂)_(r)—C₆H₄CH(CH₃)—COOSu, —N(CH₃)₂—(CH₂)_(r)—SO₃H, and—X—(CH₂)_(r)—OP[N(iPr)₂][CH₂CH₂CN], X being as defined in claim 24, r isan integer from 1 to 18, and Su representing the succinimidyl group. 27.The label according to claim 24, wherein [SOL] is chosen from—X—(CH₂)_(r)—SO₃Na, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—SO₃H, —X—(CH₂)_(r)—C₆H₃(NO₂)₂,—X—(CH₂)_(r)—CH₃, and X being as defined in claim 24 and, r is aninteger from 1 to
 18. 28. The label according to claim 24, wherein saidlabel is chosen from the group consisting of the structures (6), (7),(11) or (12):

in which each of y and z, identical or different, is an integer equal to1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 Z represents —COOH or

Y represents SO₃ ⁻ or SO₃Na

in which each of y and z, identical or different, is an integer equal to1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 Z represents —COOH or

Y represents SO₃ ⁻ or SO₃Na.
 29. A process for preparing labels asdefined in claim 24,wherein said process comprises a nucleophilicsubstitution reaction between either:Z-A-L and [DYE′]-Nuor:[DYE″]-L and Z-A-Nu Z and A being as defined in claim 24; L representinga leaving group; Nu representing a nucleophilic group chosen from thegroup comprising —OH, —SH or —NR₁R₂, R₁ and R₂ each being independentlyof each other a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched C₁-C₃₀ alkylgroup; [DYE'] and [DYE″] representing the dye formula (4) or (5):

in which: Q₁ to Q₁₂ and D₁ to D₁₆, each independently representshydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, acetyl, amine, substituted amine,quaternary ammonium, phosphate, nitro, carboxylic acid and its salts,sulphonic acid and its salts, alkylcarboxy with 2 to 30 carbon atoms,linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl having3 to 14 carbon atoms, alkyloxy having 1 to 30 carbon atoms,halogenoalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl having 1 to 30carbon atoms, alkylester having 2 to 40 carbon atoms, nitroalkyl having1 to 30 carbon atoms, carboxyalkyl having 2 to 30 carbon atoms,aminoalkyl having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, sulphoalkyl having 1 to 30carbon atoms, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, halogenoaryl, arylester, Q₃, Q₆,Q₉ and Q₁₂ not being able to represent aryl or aryloxy, providing thatat least one of Q₁ to Q₁₂ represents H or an aromatic ring, and,providing that at least one of D₁ to D₁₆ represents H.
 30. The processaccording to claim 29, wherein the nucleophilic substitution reaction isa Williamson reaction in the presence of a base.
 31. The processaccording to claim 29, wherein the leaving group L is chosen from thegroup consisting of a halogen, a methanesulphonate,para-toluenesulphonate group and a diazonium group.
 32. The processaccording to claim 29, wherein [DYE′]-Nu is obtained by the followingsuccessive reactions: a) nitration of [DYE′]; b) reduction of theproduct obtained in step a); c) optionally: either alkylation of theproduct obtained in step b), or diazotization of the product obtained instep b) in order to obtain a diazonium salt then nucleophilicsubstitution on this diazonium function.
 33. The process according toclaim 29, wherein [DYE]-L is obtained by the following successivereactions: a) nitration of [DYE″]; b) reduction of the product obtainedin step a); c) diazotization of the product obtained in step b) in orderto obtain a diazonium salt; d) optionally: nucleophilic substitution onthe diazonium function of the product obtained in step c).
 34. Theprocess according to claim 29, wherein said process comprises anucleophilic substitution reaction between either:Z′-A′-L and [DYE′]-Nuor:[DYE″]-L and Z′-A′-Nu Z′ and A′ being as defined in claim 24; L, Nu,[DYE′] and [DYE″] being as defined previously in claim 29; [DYE′]-Nu and[DYE″]-L being prepared according to the process of claim
 29. 35. Aprocess of labelling a target molecule comprising the step of couplingsaid target molecule with a label according to claim
 24. 36. A methodfor labelling biological molecules comprising the step of coupling saidbiological molecule with a label according to claim
 24. 37. The methodfor labelling biological molecules according to claim 36, wherein thestep of coupling is performed in the presence of a peptide couplingagent, for example carbodiimide-type reagents, IDDQ(1-isobutyloxycarbonyl-2-isobutyloxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline),phosphonium-type reagents, uronium-type reagents, Woodward reagents orCurtius reagents.
 38. The method for labelling biological moleculesaccording to claim 37, wherein the coupling is carried out in thepresence of dimethylformamide.
 39. A method for detecting a biologicalor non-biological molecule comprising the step of coupling a labelaccording to claim 24 with said biological or non-biological molecule,and the step of detecting said molecule coupled with the label byabsorption spectrometry, fluorescence spectrometry, infraredspectrometry, electrophoresis, near infra-red or infra-red medicalimaging.
 40. The label according to claim 24, wherein said label isselected from the group consisting of: